I'd like to welcome travel writer Mac Horn. Mac is author of several travel guides to the Orient and producer/director of the video series, "The Erotic Women of Southeast Asia." Mac, thank you for being with us today. What is it that attracts so many male tourists to Thailand? I know Bangkok has the reputation of being the sex capital of the world, but with the millions of tourists that visit every year, there must be more to it. Can you tell us about what makes Thailand such a great place to visit

MH: There is no doubt about it, Thailand is still one of the best countries in the world for a single guy (or guy who wish he was single!) to visit. I could break it down into five reasons as to what makes Thailand such a great place to spend your vacation. First, Thailand undoubtedly has the best night life in the world and offers the most in terms of adult entertainment. From the live sex shows (go to any of the upstairs bars in Patpong, Bangkok) to the endless array of overly friendly bar girls throughout the country, the place is fantastic, let me tell you. Second, Thailand is nothing less than a shopper's paradise, both for men and women (and kids as well!). (If you are a computer nerd, go to Pantip Plaza in Bangkok and you will find yourself in software heaven; or go to Pratunam in Bangkok where you can get all types of clothing items at rock bottom prices). Third, in terms of travel adventure, you could not find a better place. Whether you arc gung-ho for a jungle cruise in the mountains (where you can go elephant trekking right on the open river) or wish to find yourself on a secluded island with dazzling corral reefs (snorkel gear provided if you take any of the tours), Thailand has it all. Forth, the food is fantastic. If the Thais know how to do anything, let me tell you, these guys can cook. Yum! Fifth, the women, well, simply put, they are among the friendliest girls you will meet anywhere in this world (the Filipina girls being runner up). As one friend put it, you may come alone to Thailand, but you will not be alone. As cliché as it may sound, Thailand is truly a single man's paradise. Really! I could add a footnote to this list by saying Thailand is also one of the safest countries to visit. Where else in the world can you go where they have a special police force (i.e, the Tourist Police) who's sole job is to make sure the tourists are well protected.

ZEN: How are the That girls in terms of speaking English?

NM: If you want to get into any type of deep conversation, I would say that's the main advantage of travelling to Thailand with a male friend. Most of the Thai girls you will meet cannot converse beyond the basics, such as asking you your name ("Kun chu alai?"), what country you are from ("Kun pa tet alai?"), and what hotel you stay at ("Kun pak yoo tee nai?"). Of course, most tourists can't even ask those questions in Thai, so after a few minutes, the conversation is going to die quick. It probably doesn't matter if the girls speak much English anyway because as you sit with any of the Thai girls you meet, you will be so dazzled at how sweet, friendly and affectionate they are, you will probably find yourself short of conversation even if they were fluent in English.

NM: There's no doubt that if you protect yourself by wearing a latex condom, the risk of an infected woman passing HIV to you is extremely low. Listen, life is full of risks and if you stay at home worrying about getting AIDS, you'll watch life pass you by. Come on out to Thailand, bring your condoms, and have a blast.

ZEN: Mac, I want to thank you for your time and look forward to hearing from you again.